Belton Takes Lead as Jets' Starting Safety

The New York Jets have a clear frontrunner for their starting safety position in Dane Belton, who is poised to start alongside Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Belton entered training camp with a strong chance of winning the competition over Andre Cisco and has since solidified his lead.

Belton's impressive performance this preseason has caught the attention of Jets general manager Darren Mougey, who signed him to a one-year, $4 million contract earlier in the offseason. The former Iowa standout had a breakout season with the New York Giants last year, recording 120 tackles, one interception, and two sacks.

Belton has showcased his physicality and secure wrap-up tackling ability throughout training camp and preseason, while also impressing in coverage, an area where the Jets struggled to find consistency from their safeties last season.